Implications of the use of antidepressants in temporomandibular joint dysfunctions: an integrative review

JUAN CASSOL, LUIZ HENRIQUE GODOI MAROLA, LUIZ FERNANDO GIL

Introduction: There is close relation between depression and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and, as antidepressants are routinely prescribed to treat the former, the effect of these drugs on TMD is of interest. Objective: This integrative literature review aims to compile evidences about the use of anti-depressants and their possible effects in TMD therapy. Methods: A literature survey was carried out on SciELO and PubMed databases using the descriptors Antidepressant OR Anti-depressive Agents AND Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. The information was collected and analyzed according to the theme rel- evance. Results: The results available to date indicate that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are ineffective in the treatment of TMD and seem to aggravate the parafunction. Despite low correlational evidences, tricyclic antidepressants (TADs) can provide pain relief at low dosages, without aggravating TMD. Conclusions: Further studies with more scientific evidences are necessary to assert the correlation between the antidepressant classes and their effects on TMD, although there are enough data to suggest the discontinuity of SSRI in patients with parafunction, replacing this medication with other classes.

Keywords: Antidepressant. Anti-depressive agents. Temporomandibular joint disorder. Bruxism.

How to cite: Cassol J, Marola LHG, Gil LF. Implications of the use of antidepressants in temporomandibular joint dysfunctions: an integrative review. J Braz Coll Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Jan-Mar;8(1):17-22.

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